Racing
Royal Ascot Racing Preview | 18th June
14.30 Queen Mary Stakes
SPICY MARG travelled very well on the outside of the field on debut at Newmarket and once Kieran Shoemark asked her to quicken, she picked up strongly to win going away without her rider being acquired to use the whip. This stiff finish should really play to her strengths, while HARRY’S GIRL and CARDIFF BY THE SEA are others to consider in the opener.
Tips: HARRY’S GIRL, SPICY MARG & CARDIFF BY THE SEA
15.05 Queen’s Vase
CARMERS kept on resolutely under pressure to maintain a three-length lead at the winning post in a Listed event last time out to keep his unbeaten record intact and this race has been the plan. This course should really suit this youngster who looks like a stayer worth following in years to come. RAHIEBB is another one to consider after running well at York when last seen.
Tips: CARMERS & RAHIEBB
15.40 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes
Dual Group 1 winner FALLEN ANGEL warmed up for this with a sixth place finish in the Lockinge Stakes and has every chance of beating CINDERELLA’S DREAM if she can step forward from that reappearance. The latter was impressive at Newmarket last time out though, so we will play both in this event.
Tips: FALLEN ANGEL & CINDERELLA’S DREAM
16.20 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes
Los Angeles beat ANMAAT when the pair finished first and second in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last time out, but the latter only a half-length behind him without a run under his belt and I’m optimistic that he will turn the form around. OMBUDSMAN ran well on his return at Sandown and could be competitive if able to take another step forward.
Tips: ANMAAT & OMBUDSMAN
17.00 Royal Hunt Cup
GREEK ORDER will be having his first start in the UK since November 2023 and while a stint in the US didn’t materialise into success, it’s interesting to see him straight into this race on his stable debut for Michael Bell with a world-class rider on his back. The improving MY CLOUD, the well handicapped EPICTETUS, last-time-out winner TOKENOMICS and French raider BLUE BROTHER also merit a second look.
Tips: GREEK ORDER, MY CLOUD, EPICTETUS, TOKENOMICS & BLUE BROTHER
17.35 Kensington Palace Stakes
THELMA’S ANGEL has had a stop-start career to date but given she’s only raced three times, that was a promising comeback last time out and the step up to a mile could unlock further progress on handicap debut. Rossa Ryan is a notable jockey booking as well. SKY SAFARI and FRANCOPHONE are also included.
Tips: THELMA’S ANGEL, SKY SAFARI & FRANCOPHONE
